Masortihttp://www.thejc.com/news/topics/masorti
The taxonomy view with a depth of 0.enMasorti panel is split on UK Jewish futurehttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/129898/masorti-panel-split-uk-jewish-future
<p>A heated debate on the future of British Jewry in the light of rising antisemitism was a highlight of a Masorti educational and cultural day at the New North London Synagogue in Finchley. </p>
<p>At a “Question Time” session during the annual Yom Masorti programme, panellists were asked if they agreed with Maureen Lipman’s comment that Jews were no longer safe in Britain.</p>
<p>“I think it is the beginning of the end for us now — [and] for European Jewry, too,” Baroness Deech observed.<br />
“We have all seen the attacks on kashrut and we understand what is coming next.</p>
<p>“If I was 30 or unmarried I would consider leaving. The vibrancy you see today is no guarantee of our survival.”<br />
TV producer and writer Dan Patterson — husband of Board of Deputies senior vice-president Laura Marks — said that those “who say it is great being a Jew in this country are burying their heads in the sand. I don’t think it is, personally. </p>
<p>“People are just saying things they would not be saying 20 years ago and I think we have got to watch it.”<br />
However, Board of Deputies CEO Gillian Merron considered such comments “unhelpful and damaging.<br />
“I don’t think it does us any good. A lot of people are concerned about antisemitism,” she said. “It sits also on the minds of non-Jews.<br />
“They worry that I or you are considering leaving the county because of what people with profile and influence say.</p>
<p>“Britain is a great place to be a Jew and we need to be saying that instead.”<br />
The debate — chaired by journalist Joshua Rozenberg and also featuring Finchley and Golders Green Parliamentary Labour candidate Sarah Sackman — attracted over half the 250 Yom Masorti turnout.</p>
<p>Ms Sackman defended party leader Ed Miliband over accusations that he was anti-Israel, adding that voters should also consider the “myriad of social issues which will be determined by the outcome of the election”.<br />
Other elements of the day ranged from a discussion on same sex marriage to JooDoo drum workshops and there was also a programme for youngsters.</p>
<p>Yom Masorti regular Marilyn Rose, 76, said: “It is fantastic to meet people of different ages, different political and religious views. With two Jews you get three arguments.”<br />
New North London member Peter Davis, 65, said: “The whole day is very good — lots of opinions, lots of politically savvy people. </p>
<p>“It is a good mixture of learning about biblical and current events and it is a chance to catch up with what is going on in Jewish literature and Jewish thought. You also get to meet up with a lot of old friends.”<br />
For Danielle and Clive Gaby, the day offered “a chance to learn where the movement has come from and where it is going.</p>
<p>“They have great childcare and so many projects going on beyond the religious side of things. To find all of those elements is really rewarding.”<br />
Participants came from congregations including St Albans, Hatch End, Buckhurst Hill and Bournemouth — and from as far afield as Leeds.</p>Community lifeMasortiFinchley129898story

124591Masorti approves single-sex marriages124513Masorti makes history as rabbis approve same-sex marriage
A heated debate on the future of British Jewry in the light of rising antisemitism was a highlight of a Masorti educational and cultural day at the New North London Synagogue in Finchley.
At a “Question Time” session during the annual Yom Masorti programme, panellists were asked if they agreed with Maureen Lipman’s comment that Jews were no longer safe in Britain.
“I think it is the beginning of the end for us now — [and] for European Jewry, too,” Baroness Deech observed.
“We have all seen the attacks on kashrut and we understand what is coming next.
“If I was 30 or unmarried I would consider leaving. The vibrancy you see today is no guarantee of our survival.”
TV producer and writer Dan Patterson — husband of Board of Deputies senior vice-president Laura Marks — said that those “who say it is great being a Jew in this country are burying their heads in the sand. I don’t think it is, personally.
“People are just saying things they would not be saying 20 years ago and I think we have got to watch it.”
However, Board of Deputies CEO Gillian Merron considered such comments “unhelpful and damaging.
“I don’t think it does us any good. A lot of people are concerned about antisemitism,” she said. “It sits also on the minds of non-Jews.
“They worry that I or you are considering leaving the county because of what people with profile and influence say.
“Britain is a great place to be a Jew and we need to be saying that instead.”
The debate — chaired by journalist Joshua Rozenberg and also featuring Finchley and Golders Green Parliamentary Labour candidate Sarah Sackman — attracted over half the 250 Yom Masorti turnout.
Ms Sackman defended party leader Ed Miliband over accusations that he was anti-Israel, adding that voters should also consider the “myriad of social issues which will be determined by the outcome of the election”.
Other elements of the day ranged from a discussion on same sex marriage to JooDoo drum workshops and there was also a programme for youngsters.
Yom Masorti regular Marilyn Rose, 76, said: “It is fantastic to meet people of different ages, different political and religious views. With two Jews you get three arguments.”
New North London member Peter Davis, 65, said: “The whole day is very good — lots of opinions, lots of politically savvy people.
“It is a good mixture of learning about biblical and current events and it is a chance to catch up with what is going on in Jewish literature and Jewish thought. You also get to meet up with a lot of old friends.”
For Danielle and Clive Gaby, the day offered “a chance to learn where the movement has come from and where it is going.
“They have great childcare and so many projects going on beyond the religious side of things. To find all of those elements is really rewarding.”
Participants came from congregations including St Albans, Hatch End, Buckhurst Hill and Bournemouth — and from as far afield as Leeds.
Mon, 16 Feb 2015 10:21:22 +0000Rosa Doherty129898 at http://www.thejc.comMasorti approves single-sex marriageshttp://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/124591/masorti-approves-single-sex-marriages
<p>British Masorti has followed the Liberals and Reform movements by taking a historic decision to allow its rabbis to conduct same-sex marriages.</p>
<p>Gay couples will now be able to marry in Masorti synagogues in a move approved without opposition by the movement's trustees on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism and head of its largest synagogue, the New North London, said, "This is an important step forward. As a movement, we will continue to strive to be inclusive and to honour the dignity of all people, within the framework of Jewish law."</p>
<p>Same-sex couples will be able to have a shutafut - partnership - ceremony, which technically distinguishes it from kiddushin, the traditional Jewish marriage ritual. But the ceremony will enable them to register as either married or as civil partners under English law.</p>
<p>Each of Masorti's 12 communities will be free to decide whether to hold the new ceremonies, although no community has objected to the innovation. </p>
<p>Joel Fenster, director of Masorti's youth movement, Noam, hailed a "landmark decision". </p>
<p>Masorti Judaism chief executive Matt Plen said he was proud to be part of a movement "which demonstrates by its actions that traditional religious commitment can be combined with deeply-held modern values".</p>
<p>But the decision, which will put further distance between Masorti and Orthodoxy, has also drawn criticism.</p>
<p>Ivor Jacobs, son of Masorti founder Rabbi Dr Louis Jacobs and a New North London congregant, said: "Gay people have never been discriminated in the shul but these ceremonies are a move too far. This is a watershed for Masorti, which may well impede any possibility of further discussion with modern Orthodox over issues of Jewish status." </p>
<p>Former Masorti executive director Dr Harry Freedman said that there was no doubt that Rabbi Jacobs would have "been forcefully opposed even to the concept of single-sex marriage, let alone its validation in synagogues. Masorti has drifted far from his views on many issues, but this latest decision probably marks an irrevocable renunciation of their founding purpose."</p>
<p>Same-sex marriages were first legalised in Britain in March, although same-sex couples had for several years been able to have their union blessed in Reform or Liberal synagogues.</p>
<p>Masorti, which has always eschewed the "Progressive" label, is allied to the Conservative and Masorti movements in the United States and elsewhere. The American Conservatives have conducted same-sex marriages since 2012, while some Israeli Masorti rabbis also perform them, although they do not have the status of marriage in Israeli law.</p>
<p>The name shutafut was chosen to show that the ceremony is an innovation in Judaism rather than part of the normal halachic tradition. </p>
<p>This week's decision, which follows consultations with Masorti communities begun earlier this year, is based on rulings from Conservative religious authorities in America. </p>
<p>They regard the principle of kavod habriot, human dignity, as overriding longstanding Jewish prohibitions against homosexual unions.</p>
<p>Benjamin Ellis, director of Keshet UK, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews, said the move was "fantastic news. It means LGBT people can stay in their communities with the partner they love, without feeling that their relationship doesn't count."</p>
<p>But Rabbi Baruch Davis, chairman of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue, said, "The Torah is pretty clear in its opposition to homosexual relationships. We can be understanding of people in their relationships but we who believe in the God-given Torah can never sanction something the Torah can't."</p>UK newsMasortiHomosexuality124591storyhttp://www.thejc.com/files/images/23102014-gay-marriage.jpg

A lesbian couple get married at a Conservative synagogue in the United States. Masorti is now following the American movement

124590I can't deny couples the ritual they need122452Gay Masorti rabbi a first for Israel
British Masorti has followed the Liberals and Reform movements by taking a historic decision to allow its rabbis to conduct same-sex marriages.
Gay couples will now be able to marry in Masorti synagogues in a move approved without opposition by the movement's trustees on Tuesday night.
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism and head of its largest synagogue, the New North London, said, "This is an important step forward. As a movement, we will continue to strive to be inclusive and to honour the dignity of all people, within the framework of Jewish law."
Same-sex couples will be able to have a shutafut - partnership - ceremony, which technically distinguishes it from kiddushin, the traditional Jewish marriage ritual. But the ceremony will enable them to register as either married or as civil partners under English law.
Each of Masorti's 12 communities will be free to decide whether to hold the new ceremonies, although no community has objected to the innovation.
Joel Fenster, director of Masorti's youth movement, Noam, hailed a "landmark decision".
Masorti Judaism chief executive Matt Plen said he was proud to be part of a movement "which demonstrates by its actions that traditional religious commitment can be combined with deeply-held modern values".
But the decision, which will put further distance between Masorti and Orthodoxy, has also drawn criticism.
Ivor Jacobs, son of Masorti founder Rabbi Dr Louis Jacobs and a New North London congregant, said: "Gay people have never been discriminated in the shul but these ceremonies are a move too far. This is a watershed for Masorti, which may well impede any possibility of further discussion with modern Orthodox over issues of Jewish status."
Former Masorti executive director Dr Harry Freedman said that there was no doubt that Rabbi Jacobs would have "been forcefully opposed even to the concept of single-sex marriage, let alone its validation in synagogues. Masorti has drifted far from his views on many issues, but this latest decision probably marks an irrevocable renunciation of their founding purpose."
Same-sex marriages were first legalised in Britain in March, although same-sex couples had for several years been able to have their union blessed in Reform or Liberal synagogues.
Masorti, which has always eschewed the "Progressive" label, is allied to the Conservative and Masorti movements in the United States and elsewhere. The American Conservatives have conducted same-sex marriages since 2012, while some Israeli Masorti rabbis also perform them, although they do not have the status of marriage in Israeli law.
The name shutafut was chosen to show that the ceremony is an innovation in Judaism rather than part of the normal halachic tradition.
This week's decision, which follows consultations with Masorti communities begun earlier this year, is based on rulings from Conservative religious authorities in America.
They regard the principle of kavod habriot, human dignity, as overriding longstanding Jewish prohibitions against homosexual unions.
Benjamin Ellis, director of Keshet UK, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews, said the move was "fantastic news. It means LGBT people can stay in their communities with the partner they love, without feeling that their relationship doesn't count."
But Rabbi Baruch Davis, chairman of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue, said, "The Torah is pretty clear in its opposition to homosexual relationships. We can be understanding of people in their relationships but we who believe in the God-given Torah can never sanction something the Torah can't."
Thu, 23 Oct 2014 10:35:27 +0000Simon Rocker124591 at http://www.thejc.comMasorti gets the taste for growthhttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/122158/masorti-gets-taste-growth
<p>Masorti Judaism is looking to spread its wings with initiatives planned in a number of new locations.</p>
<p>Its chief executive Matt Plen reported that there had been two activities in Muswell Hill, "we're doing an initial activity in Mill Hill and we're also looking at launching a study group in south Manchester".</p>
<p>The movement's newest London community, Stoke Newington, has benefited from regular visits over the past year from student rabbi, Roni Tabick, the son of Reform ministers Jackie and Larry Tabick.</p>
<p>Mr Tabick is in his final year at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Conservative rabbinical academy in New York. "He is on a fellowship for rabbinic students who want to work with small communities and he is the first student to do so in a community in the UK," Mr Plen explained.</p>
<p>"He has been coming once a month to Stoke Newington, leading services and study sessions and giving pastoral support. After he graduates from JTS, our plan is for him to work with Stoke Newington and for the rest of the time to work with other small communities and young people."</p>
<p>Stoke Newington currently has around 50 members, among them Lord Glasman and journalist Jonathan Freedland.</p>
<p>"I think Stoke Newington can become a significant community in that part of London. There are more non-Charedi Jews coming into the area," Mr Plen added.</p>
<p>A second Masorti trainee rabbi - Oliver Joseph, from New North London Synagogue - is also due to graduate next year from another American institution, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in California.</p>
<p>Mr Plen said Masorti was hoping to "build a team around the two new rabbis who can provide strong leadership around our emerging communities".</p>
<p>The movement is also drawing on support from former New London Synagogue chazan Stephen Cotsen, now Cardiff-based, who is providing cantorial services to small communities; and from Zahavit Shalev, a NNLS member who is a rabbinic student at Leo Baeck College in London.</p>Community lifeMasorti122158storyhttp://www.thejc.com/files/images/04092014-Roni-Tabick-002.jpg

Student rabbi Roni Tabick has been working with the Stoke Newington congregation

Masorti Judaism is looking to spread its wings with initiatives planned in a number of new locations.
Its chief executive Matt Plen reported that there had been two activities in Muswell Hill, "we're doing an initial activity in Mill Hill and we're also looking at launching a study group in south Manchester".
The movement's newest London community, Stoke Newington, has benefited from regular visits over the past year from student rabbi, Roni Tabick, the son of Reform ministers Jackie and Larry Tabick.
Mr Tabick is in his final year at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Conservative rabbinical academy in New York. "He is on a fellowship for rabbinic students who want to work with small communities and he is the first student to do so in a community in the UK," Mr Plen explained.
"He has been coming once a month to Stoke Newington, leading services and study sessions and giving pastoral support. After he graduates from JTS, our plan is for him to work with Stoke Newington and for the rest of the time to work with other small communities and young people."
Stoke Newington currently has around 50 members, among them Lord Glasman and journalist Jonathan Freedland.
"I think Stoke Newington can become a significant community in that part of London. There are more non-Charedi Jews coming into the area," Mr Plen added.
A second Masorti trainee rabbi - Oliver Joseph, from New North London Synagogue - is also due to graduate next year from another American institution, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in California.
Mr Plen said Masorti was hoping to "build a team around the two new rabbis who can provide strong leadership around our emerging communities".
The movement is also drawing on support from former New London Synagogue chazan Stephen Cotsen, now Cardiff-based, who is providing cantorial services to small communities; and from Zahavit Shalev, a NNLS member who is a rabbinic student at Leo Baeck College in London.
Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:25:35 +0000Simon Rocker122158 at http://www.thejc.comRabbis condemn UK government over child povertyhttp://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/119713/rabbis-condemn-uk-government-over-child-poverty
<p>Leading rabbis have condemned the government for its failure to reduce child poverty in the UK.</p>
<p>The letter to the Guardian was signed by 44 rabbis from four different denominations, including Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner of the Reform movement, Sandra Kviat, the outreach Rabbi for Liberal Judaism, Masorti Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and Rabbi Natan Levy, who is Orthodox.</p>
<p>The rabbis said: "As religious leaders in the UK, we are deeply disturbed by the conclusions of the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission which has said that the government's goal to reduce absolute child poverty goal is simply unattainable."</p>
<p>"The gap between rich and poor is a shameful blot on our society," they said. "All of us, from the government down, must have a commitment to renew our vision of a socially responsible society and bring an end to economic injustice."</p>
<p>The rabbis called for a new UK-based "make child poverty history" campaign, echoing the global "make poverty history"<br />
campaign which was the centrepiece of the G8 meeting of world leaders in Scotland in 2005.</p>UK newsMasortiOrthodoxLiberal JudaismReform movementPoverty119713storyhttp://www.thejc.com/files/crop500laura.jpg

117404Rabbis call for action on hunger52328Laura Janner-Klausner: Why I'm not the Reform rival to the Chief Rabbi
Leading rabbis have condemned the government for its failure to reduce child poverty in the UK.
The letter to the Guardian was signed by 44 rabbis from four different denominations, including Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner of the Reform movement, Sandra Kviat, the outreach Rabbi for Liberal Judaism, Masorti Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and Rabbi Natan Levy, who is Orthodox.
The rabbis said: "As religious leaders in the UK, we are deeply disturbed by the conclusions of the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission which has said that the government's goal to reduce absolute child poverty goal is simply unattainable."
"The gap between rich and poor is a shameful blot on our society," they said. "All of us, from the government down, must have a commitment to renew our vision of a socially responsible society and bring an end to economic injustice."
The rabbis called for a new UK-based "make child poverty history" campaign, echoing the global "make poverty history"
campaign which was the centrepiece of the G8 meeting of world leaders in Scotland in 2005.
Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:03:22 +0000Daniel Easterman119713 at http://www.thejc.comMasorti signs up to pay Living Wage to workershttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/117696/masorti-signs-pay-living-wage-workers
<p>Masorti Judaism has become a Living Wage employer, following the lead of Liberal Judaism which was the first synagogue movement to sign up to the campaign at the end of last year.<br />
Masorti marked its accreditation from Citizens UK's Living Wage Foundation at a Jewish study session at the movement's offices last Thursday.</p>
<p>Under the scheme, employers undertake to pay a minimum of £7.65 an hour nationally, or £8.80 in London. Hannah Bowers, worker for the Masorti youth movement Noam, said: "Throughout my 14 years in Noam I have been taught the importance of social justice. I have also been taught to realise how grateful I am for what I have. </p>
<p>"Every day I work hard, but it means a lot to me to know that another person who works hard - our cleaner - will now be paid a living wage. I want to congratulate all the Noamniks who have made this possible."</p>
<p>Fay Shum, area manager for Alpha Cleaning Services, which supplies Masorti HQ with its cleaner, said: "We know it is important to pay cleaners a decent wage, especially in London, where living expenses are typically high. Cleaners are often overlooked, but provide a valuable contribution service to companies and charities. It is very nice for once to feel our cleaners are appreciated and looked after."</p>Community lifeMasortiNoam117696story

Masorti Judaism has become a Living Wage employer, following the lead of Liberal Judaism which was the first synagogue movement to sign up to the campaign at the end of last year.
Masorti marked its accreditation from Citizens UK's Living Wage Foundation at a Jewish study session at the movement's offices last Thursday.
Under the scheme, employers undertake to pay a minimum of £7.65 an hour nationally, or £8.80 in London. Hannah Bowers, worker for the Masorti youth movement Noam, said: "Throughout my 14 years in Noam I have been taught the importance of social justice. I have also been taught to realise how grateful I am for what I have.
"Every day I work hard, but it means a lot to me to know that another person who works hard - our cleaner - will now be paid a living wage. I want to congratulate all the Noamniks who have made this possible."
Fay Shum, area manager for Alpha Cleaning Services, which supplies Masorti HQ with its cleaner, said: "We know it is important to pay cleaners a decent wage, especially in London, where living expenses are typically high. Cleaners are often overlooked, but provide a valuable contribution service to companies and charities. It is very nice for once to feel our cleaners are appreciated and looked after."
Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:48:00 +0000Simon Rocker117696 at http://www.thejc.comMasorti debate lesbian and gay marriageshttp://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/116479/masorti-debate-lesbian-and-gay-marriages
<p>Masorti rabbis are considering whether to introduce ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples in the wake of the government’s legalisation of same-sex marriages in the UK. </p>
<p>The Liberal and Reform movements, which already allow synagogue celebrations for same-sex couples, have given the go-ahead for them to wed after the marriages become legal on March 29.</p>
<p>But now the more traditional Masorti movement is deciding whether to follow Conservative rabbis in the USA who two years ago approved same-sex<br />
ceremonies.</p>
<p>Masorti chief executive Matt Plen said that its rabbis were “carefully studying” the issue and “will inform their communities of the halachic conclusion that they reach. </p>
<p>Within the framework established by the Masorti rabbis, each community will then determine its particular response”.</p>
<p>This approach, he added, “reflects the loyalty of Masorti Judaism to Jewish tradition and the halachic process, while at the same time showing commitment to the values of inclusion and welcome for all”.</p>
<p>Masorti’s largest congregation, the New North London, recently started a consultation with its members.</p>
<p>The synagogue’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who is also senior rabbi of the Masorti movement, said: “It is important to celebrate, honour and respect the enduring relationships of people who are gay in a manner consonant with Jewish values and tradition.”</p>
<p>American Conservatives approved the introduction of two ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples — one close to the traditional marriage service for heterosexuals, the other based on the concept of shutafut (partnership).</p>
<p>They argued the concept of kvod habriot — that the needs of human dignity can supersede a negative Torah principle — took precedence over the ban on same-sex intimate relationships in classical rabbinic law.</p>UK newsMasorti116479story

114994Time up for Masorti rabbi who started late114245Masorti eyes up Shenley as community expands
Masorti rabbis are considering whether to introduce ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples in the wake of the government’s legalisation of same-sex marriages in the UK.
The Liberal and Reform movements, which already allow synagogue celebrations for same-sex couples, have given the go-ahead for them to wed after the marriages become legal on March 29.
But now the more traditional Masorti movement is deciding whether to follow Conservative rabbis in the USA who two years ago approved same-sex
ceremonies.
Masorti chief executive Matt Plen said that its rabbis were “carefully studying” the issue and “will inform their communities of the halachic conclusion that they reach.
Within the framework established by the Masorti rabbis, each community will then determine its particular response”.
This approach, he added, “reflects the loyalty of Masorti Judaism to Jewish tradition and the halachic process, while at the same time showing commitment to the values of inclusion and welcome for all”.
Masorti’s largest congregation, the New North London, recently started a consultation with its members.
The synagogue’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who is also senior rabbi of the Masorti movement, said: “It is important to celebrate, honour and respect the enduring relationships of people who are gay in a manner consonant with Jewish values and tradition.”
American Conservatives approved the introduction of two ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples — one close to the traditional marriage service for heterosexuals, the other based on the concept of shutafut (partnership).
They argued the concept of kvod habriot — that the needs of human dignity can supersede a negative Torah principle — took precedence over the ban on same-sex intimate relationships in classical rabbinic law.
Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:51:33 +0000Simon Rocker116479 at http://www.thejc.comNew London's 50thhttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/115012/new-londons-50th
<p>The New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood launched its jubilee celebrations on Sunday with a civic service incorporating the induction of chazan, Cantor Jason Green.</p>
<p>Fifty years ago, the former St John’s Wood United Synagogue — built in 1882 and once the seat of the Chief Rabbinate — was waiting to be torn down by developers. But it was rescued by supporters of Rabbi Louis Jacobs, after his ejection from the United Synagogue for his theological views, to serve as their new home. Founded as an independent Orthodox congregation, the New London eventually became the mother ship of Masorti, which now spans 13 communities.</p>
<p>Originally from Connecticut, Cantor Green arrived from Canada for last year’s High Holy-Days. Trained at the London School of Jewish Studies, and by British tutors abroad, he is schooled in minhag Anglia, the liturgical traditions of the United Synagogue.</p>
<p>Highlighting the synagogue’s achievements, Masorti senior rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said it had led “to a mood in Anglo-Jewry which is more open, more ready for debate”.</p>Community lifesynagoguesMasortiSt John&#039;s Wood115012story

The New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood launched its jubilee celebrations on Sunday with a civic service incorporating the induction of chazan, Cantor Jason Green.
Fifty years ago, the former St John’s Wood United Synagogue — built in 1882 and once the seat of the Chief Rabbinate — was waiting to be torn down by developers. But it was rescued by supporters of Rabbi Louis Jacobs, after his ejection from the United Synagogue for his theological views, to serve as their new home. Founded as an independent Orthodox congregation, the New London eventually became the mother ship of Masorti, which now spans 13 communities.
Originally from Connecticut, Cantor Green arrived from Canada for last year’s High Holy-Days. Trained at the London School of Jewish Studies, and by British tutors abroad, he is schooled in minhag Anglia, the liturgical traditions of the United Synagogue.
Highlighting the synagogue’s achievements, Masorti senior rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said it had led “to a mood in Anglo-Jewry which is more open, more ready for debate”.
Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:51:40 +0000Simon Rocker115012 at http://www.thejc.comNew London's 50thhttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/115013/new-londons-50th
<p>The New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood launched its jubilee celebrations on Sunday with a civic service incorporating the induction of chazan, Cantor Jason Green.</p>
<p>Fifty years ago, the former St John’s Wood United Synagogue — built in 1882 and once the seat of the Chief Rabbinate — was waiting to be torn down by developers. But it was rescued by supporters of Rabbi Louis Jacobs, after his ejection from the United Synagogue for his theological views, to serve as their new home. Founded as an independent Orthodox congregation, the New London eventually became the mother ship of Masorti, which now spans 13 communities.</p>
<p>Originally from Connecticut, Cantor Green arrived from Canada for last year’s High Holy-Days. Trained at the London School of Jewish Studies, and by British tutors abroad, he is schooled in minhag Anglia, the liturgical traditions of the United Synagogue.</p>
<p>Highlighting the synagogue’s achievements, Masorti senior rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said it had led “to a mood in Anglo-Jewry which is more open, more ready for debate”.</p>Community lifesynagoguesMasortiSt John&#039;s Wood115013story

The New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood launched its jubilee celebrations on Sunday with a civic service incorporating the induction of chazan, Cantor Jason Green.
Fifty years ago, the former St John’s Wood United Synagogue — built in 1882 and once the seat of the Chief Rabbinate — was waiting to be torn down by developers. But it was rescued by supporters of Rabbi Louis Jacobs, after his ejection from the United Synagogue for his theological views, to serve as their new home. Founded as an independent Orthodox congregation, the New London eventually became the mother ship of Masorti, which now spans 13 communities.
Originally from Connecticut, Cantor Green arrived from Canada for last year’s High Holy-Days. Trained at the London School of Jewish Studies, and by British tutors abroad, he is schooled in minhag Anglia, the liturgical traditions of the United Synagogue.
Highlighting the synagogue’s achievements, Masorti senior rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said it had led “to a mood in Anglo-Jewry which is more open, more ready for debate”.
Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:51:40 +0000Simon Rocker115013 at http://www.thejc.comTime up for Masorti rabbi who started latehttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/114994/time-masorti-rabbi-who-started-late
<p>Accountant turned rabbi Michael Foulds is figuring out how to adapt to life beyond the pulpit when he retires as Buckhurst Hill Masorti minister at Purim.</p>
<p>He came to the rabbinate late in life after 30 years in accountancy, during which he served as president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and received an OBE for services to the profession. </p>
<p>To his “amazement”, he was accepted for rabbincal training by Leo Baeck College in 2002, when he was almost 59, gaining his semicha in 2007. “My wife Ruth and I had been members of Buckhurst Hill Masorti for 20 years and I was delighted to be offered the post of rabbi to the community. I have enjoyed my time as a rabbi, especially sharing life-stage events.”</p>
<p>Now 70, he looks forward to spending quality time with his family and a “continuing involvement in the community locally and more widely, where I can be of help and support”.</p>
<p>Shul co-chairs Guy Sasson and Ric Kashman said: “Michael has been so much more than a rabbi. He has been our friend, counsellor and guide and will, no doubt, continue to be so.”</p>Community lifeRabbisMasorti114994story

114245Masorti eyes up Shenley as community expands102502Masorti is getting big on learning
Accountant turned rabbi Michael Foulds is figuring out how to adapt to life beyond the pulpit when he retires as Buckhurst Hill Masorti minister at Purim.
He came to the rabbinate late in life after 30 years in accountancy, during which he served as president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and received an OBE for services to the profession.
To his “amazement”, he was accepted for rabbincal training by Leo Baeck College in 2002, when he was almost 59, gaining his semicha in 2007. “My wife Ruth and I had been members of Buckhurst Hill Masorti for 20 years and I was delighted to be offered the post of rabbi to the community. I have enjoyed my time as a rabbi, especially sharing life-stage events.”
Now 70, he looks forward to spending quality time with his family and a “continuing involvement in the community locally and more widely, where I can be of help and support”.
Shul co-chairs Guy Sasson and Ric Kashman said: “Michael has been so much more than a rabbi. He has been our friend, counsellor and guide and will, no doubt, continue to be so.”
Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:19:55 +0000Cathy Forman114994 at http://www.thejc.comMasorti eyes up Shenley as community expandshttp://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/114245/masorti-eyes-shenley-community-expands
<p>The increasing number of young Jewish families who have settled in Shenley, Hertfordshire, over the past decade have proved an inviting target for the Masorti movement, looking to offer an alternative to the United Synagogue congregation founded in the area just over 10 years ago. </p>
<p>In a bid to establish a more significant presence in the county and “supplement the excellent work already being done” by its two existing Herts communities in St Albans and Elstree and Borehamwood, Masorti arranged an inaugural “Friday Night Live” kabbalat Shabbat service.</p>
<p>The informal service and dinner, held in the home of a current Masorti member, was attended by 20 guests, and is intended to be the first of a regular series of monthly Friday night services in the Hertfordshire village, which is also home to Clore Shalom, the Jewish pluralist primary school. </p>
<p>“We aim to give people an additional option of a local Masorti experience on a Friday night in Shenley,” explained Masorti Judaism’s small communities fieldworker, Dr Laurence Jacobs. “We hope that this taste of Masorti will encourage potential members to go along to both our St Albans and Elstree and Borehamwood communities where they will be welcomed with a full range of synagogue services.”</p>
<p>Added Masorti chief executive Matt Plen: “We believe our vision of traditional Judaism for modern Jews has a lot to offer the Hertfordshire community. This is an opportunity to experience the welcoming atmosphere of Masorti Judaism, and we look forward to seeing real growth as people seek us out over the coming months.”</p>Community lifeMasortiHertfordshire114245story

106932New Cambridge Union president leans on Masorti experience102502Masorti is getting big on learning
The increasing number of young Jewish families who have settled in Shenley, Hertfordshire, over the past decade have proved an inviting target for the Masorti movement, looking to offer an alternative to the United Synagogue congregation founded in the area just over 10 years ago.
In a bid to establish a more significant presence in the county and “supplement the excellent work already being done” by its two existing Herts communities in St Albans and Elstree and Borehamwood, Masorti arranged an inaugural “Friday Night Live” kabbalat Shabbat service.
The informal service and dinner, held in the home of a current Masorti member, was attended by 20 guests, and is intended to be the first of a regular series of monthly Friday night services in the Hertfordshire village, which is also home to Clore Shalom, the Jewish pluralist primary school.
“We aim to give people an additional option of a local Masorti experience on a Friday night in Shenley,” explained Masorti Judaism’s small communities fieldworker, Dr Laurence Jacobs. “We hope that this taste of Masorti will encourage potential members to go along to both our St Albans and Elstree and Borehamwood communities where they will be welcomed with a full range of synagogue services.”
Added Masorti chief executive Matt Plen: “We believe our vision of traditional Judaism for modern Jews has a lot to offer the Hertfordshire community. This is an opportunity to experience the welcoming atmosphere of Masorti Judaism, and we look forward to seeing real growth as people seek us out over the coming months.”
Mon, 30 Dec 2013 10:41:39 +0000Jay Grenby114245 at http://www.thejc.com